Descent into Queenstown named one of the world's most scenic

A jet takes off from Queenstown Airport.

The approach to Queenstown Airport has been named one of the most scenic in the world.

International pilots, travel writers and industry experts voted on their favourite approaches on private jet charter website PrivateFly.com.

The poll took in some of the world's most famous airports, including Amsterdam, Los Angeles, Rio de Janeiro and the gateway to the 2014 Winter Olympics, Sochi.

It also featured the cruise over thousands of small islands into the stunning Maldives, the emerald green approach to the Virgin Gorda Island, and Venice's Marco Polo Airport on approach to Italy's city of canals.

The site wrote that the descent into Queenstown Airport, flying alongside the Remarkables mountain range and above Lake Wakatipu, provides views of "pure nature, mountains, hills and sea [sic]".

One submitter, Bill Prince, said: "Incredible approach in the shadow of the peaks with a view seemingly all the way to Milford Sound. Truly an arrival of a lifetime."

The accolade comes as The Otago Daily Times today reported that Queenstown businessman Sir Eion Edgar says the town's airport should be moved.

The millionaire investor and philanthropist wants the airport relocated to vacant land on Queenstown Hill, citing "excessive" aircraft noise.